Message in a bottle helping to save lives

Norfolk Constabulary has teamed up with a local club to spread the word about a scheme in which vital information is bottled up and could help save lives in an emergency.

The force is working with Wymondham Lions Club in a campaign to increase residents’ awareness of the ‘message in a bottle’ initiative.

The plastic message in a bottle container will allow people to store important details, such as medical conditions and prescribed medication, that the emergency services can access if they are called to a residents home.

The labelled bottle is stored in the fridge and a label on the fridge door will alert emergency services to check the bottle.

PC Gail Kevern, crime-prevention officer, said: “The message in a bottle scheme gives the emergency services a single reference point for essential information within a household. Storing vital medical details in special bottles can help save lives.”

Wymondham Lions Club has already donated 210 bottles. The free bottles and stickers will be available from the public inquiry offices across a number of local police stations.

Derek Fripp, president of Wymondham Lions Club, added: “Lions Clubs in East Anglia has supported the message in a bottle scheme for many years.

“We are especially pleased that Norfolk Constabulary is now also supporting the scheme which enables people with allergies or who are on special medication to bring this to the attention of paramedics who attend their homes in emergency situations.”